San Diego Comic Con International is dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and multi-genre entertainment. Now 51 years strong being the organizer of the annual pop culture celebration. Creator/Writer Kayden Phoenix, having been a long-time full pass attendee herself, is proud to see herself on the other side of the table. Her publishing company, Phoenix Studios, created a universe of Latina Superhero graphic novels called A La Brava.
Always inspired by Comic Con’s grandeur, Kayden Phoenix wanted to create Latina superheroes that empower and invigorate. “I want to create a superhero mindset for all marginalized individuals, particularly Latine.” Support from national news channels like Disney/ABC Eyewitness News 7, Spectrum News 1, and international Spanish station, Univision, have broadcasted Phoenix’s comics echoing the importance of diverse representation.
Combine Phoenix’s vision with a fresh-eyed Latina artist team like acclaimed GLAAD and Eisner-nominated illustrator, Eva Cabrera (SANTA, LOQUITA) and newcomer Amanda Julina Gonzalez (JALISCO, RUCA), an uprooted New Mexican who recently graduated from Laguna College of Art and Design in Animation, and you get beautiful and inspiring crafted pieces of art.
JALISCO, a blade-wielding folklorico dancer that uses her culture as her weapon. SANTA, a brawler that takes down the ICE detention centers. LOQUITA, a teen detective in the supernatural world. RUCA, a vigilante taking justice. BANDITA, the gunslinger in modern day New York.
Though a relatively new Universe, only the first three Latina superhero books are out, ComicCon@Home asked A La Brava to return after her WonderCon panel earlier this year. Kayden Phoenix and Amanda Julina Gonzalez are grateful to be in ‘Abolishing Traditional Ideas of Latinas through Latina Superheroes’ panel (Fri July 23rd at 5pm PST) with industry experts Dr. Drea Letamendi (clinical psychologist and host of Arkham Sessions podcast) and Frederick Luis Aldama (Eisner-Awarded professor).
“Comic book superheroes give kids something to look up to and it helps if those heroes look something like the kids.” – ABC Eyewitness News 7
“Everyone needs a superhero, but if you’re a woman or a person of color, chances are you won’t find yourself reflected on the big screen, much less a comic book.” – Spectrum News 1
“Su mission es que haya mas representacion de mujeres Latinas en la television y las peliculas estados unidense/Her mission is to have more representation of Latinas in television and movies in the US.” – Univision
You can see more of Kayden Phoenix and her expanding universe of Latina Superheroes at SDCC, book signings, school lectures, and at www.LatinaSuperheroes.com.
IG @LatinaSuperheroes
